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As a history major at SHU, you'll engage in a critical study of history and develop the ability to write clearly, read critically, think logically, and research creatively.
Why Earn Your BA in History at Sacred Heart?
At SHU, you’ll read and interpret primary sources, gaining first-hand experience and understanding of the context and meaning of events for those who lived them. This critical study of history allows you to understand both what happened and why it happened. Developing your understanding of the past is essential to understanding the present and possible paths the future may take.
Your work as a history major -- including research papers, exams, and projects -- will hone the skills you need to be a successful historian. These same skills will enhance your future in many career paths, including those in government and law; all fields of teaching; many corporate roles; and any jobs that require the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data.
Expand your knowledge by attending special lectures, field trips, and academic conferences
Enhance your learning experience with an internship or research opportunities, including summer stipends for research and opportunities to assist faculty on research projects
Sacred Heart University’s dual degree programs provide a defined pathway for incoming freshmen to move seamlessly from an undergraduate to a graduate degree.
While some of our dual degree programs require specific undergraduate majors, others are open to almost all undergraduate disciplines. Apply to a dual degree program as an incoming freshman and you’ll have the opportunity to be admitted directly into the graduate program of your choice at the same time as your admission as an undergraduate student. Students are encouraged to reach out to your admissions counselor to discuss dual degree options.
4+1 Bachelor’s-MAT in Secondary Education
With the 4+1 Bachelor's-Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education, history majors will earn their bachelor’s degree while taking education courses during their junior and senior years. Students work toward initial teaching certification in secondary education and their MAT degree, while participating in a school-based internship or residency during their graduate year.
Sacred Heart University’s combined or expanded degree options provide current students the opportunity to move through an undergraduate-graduate degree in a specified timeline.
You may want to earn your bachelor’s-master’s if the terminal degree is required in your field of interest, and take the fast track into the workforce, or you might be a working professional who wants to quickly advance your career. As combined degrees require the same level and amount of work as traditional courses but sometimes in a shorter period, students should be prepared for a rigorous plan of study.
You are encouraged to reach out to your admissions counselor or academic advisor to discuss expanded or combined degree options.
If you are interested in pursuing a legal career, you can apply to the 3+3 Bachelor’s & JD Program in conjunction with Seton Hall Law or Villanova Law.
Questions? Please contact your academic advisor, and department liaison, who will provide you with further information regarding courses, plan of study and application to the program.
Our Five-Year Education Program is available to undergraduates who are interested in pursuing a professional career in teaching. Students earn a bachelor’s degree in an academic major, initial teaching certification and a master’s degree, while participating in a school-based internship during their graduate year.
Questions? Please contact your academic advisor, and department liaison, who will provide you with further information regarding courses, plan of study and application to the program.
Graduate prepared for a career or further study
Career paths
Employers value the skills they know history majors have: the ability to write clearly, read critically, think logically, and research creatively.
A large number of our alumni have been hired by school districts throughout New England, New York, and New Jersey as social science teachers. Aside from teaching, alumni have pursued careers in government, within corporations for management and finance, at banks, and with legal firms as paralegals.
Graduate school
Recent graduates have gone on to attend graduate programs in history at:
As a recent graduate, I can honestly say that joining Sacred Heart's history program was the best decision I’ve ever made. SHU’s history program provides students with the opportunity to work side by side with some of the most talented professors in the field. Unlike other schools, SHU’s program provides small class sizes so students can foster positive relationships with their professors and work closely with their peers. Through active collaboration with teachers and classmates, the history program allows students to expand their world knowledge and improve their critical thinking skills. The history program also provides students with great opportunities to grow professionally as well through internships and individual research. Thanks to the history program, I have gained the necessary skills and confidence to take on the real world.
- Emily Singleton ’20, MAT '21
As a history major, I have access to an incredible number of sources and professors, throughout the department, and this has helped me to expand my knowledge and perception of historical concepts. Not only have these resources assisted with my academic journey, but they also have provided an extraordinary format for how to be a successful history teacher. The abundance of opportunities and guidance the history department offers cannot be taken for granted!
- Aidan Ford '27
Read more SHU history student and alumni testimonials.
Where Can You Gowith a Bachelor's in History
Majoring in history paves the way for you to advance your career through combined programs and advanced degree pathways.
Sacred Heart University offers history majors the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and Master of Arts in Teaching with initial teacher certification in secondary social studies within five years. Students must apply to the MAT during their sophomore year, and work closely with their advisor to ensure they are completing all prerequisite coursework during their undergraduate years.
Sacred Heart University offers history majors the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s and Juris Doctor (JD) degree within six years. You must apply to the JD at a specific time during your undergraduate course of study, so you must work closely with your advisor to ensure you complete all prerequisite coursework and other application requirements.
History
Professor of History David Luesink teaches "History of Western Civilization" at Sacred Heart University.
Sacred Heart University History students in class
"History of Western Civilization" at Sacred Heart University taught by Assistant Professor of History David Luesink
Sacred Heart University students in "History of Western Civilization" class
Sacred Heart University History department
"History of Western Civilization" taught by History Professor David Luesink at Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University History department annual dinner
